Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Coming to
Ponaganset High School November 1-5, 2018

Support bringing the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall to RI.

Comrades forever …

At this time, we are seeking your assistance to help fund bringing the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall to Ponaganset High School from November 1st thru November 5th, 2018. We are in the process of raising nearly $50,000 in both cash and in-kind donations to ensure a successful hosting of the Moving Wall next year. We would greatly appreciate any help you may be able to provide. Personal and corporate checks are payable to Ponaganset High School making sure to write “Moving Wall Fund” in the memo.

“The Moving Wall” is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for thirty plus years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of “The Wall.” He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

We are excited to announce an extraordinarily ambitious project that Mr. Chris Stanley, a Social Studies teacher here at Ponaganset High school has undertaken; bringing the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall to Ponaganset High School from November 1st thru November 5th, 2018.

“The Moving Wall” is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for thirty plus years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of “The Wall.” He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. Devitt’s idea was deeply personal. He had been out of work when the Wall was dedicated, and had made the trip with financial help from family and friends. “There were millions of people who would never be able to come to Washington,” he realized, “I wanted them to be able see and feel what I had.” His emotions ran deep. “Before 1982 I never felt like I needed a parade or a memorial,” he said. He had come to the Wall expecting to dislike it, anticipating it would be as some media stories had said, “a black gash of shame.” Instead, the Wall changed his life; it gave him a new mission and sense of pride in his military service.

Students, in cooperation with faculty and veterans, will act as Visitor Guides at The Moving Wall.

Those of us who wish to move forward with this project understand that sponsoring requires months of planning by dozens of local volunteers and funding. One example of the level of commitment is the fact that the Moving Wall will be open to the public, 24 hours a day, from setup at 9am on the first day until 6pm on the last day. This may necessitate a police and fire detail. Ultimately, this project will involve the support of the entire community.

Nevertheless, we have no doubt that we can accomplish this monumental task.

Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Coming to Ponaganset High School November 1-5, 2018